Root Canal Therapy

Teeth are unique biological structures that are made up of mostly hard minerals, with a small amount of tissue packed inside a small chamber. The tooth itself can’t get infected, but the tissue-nerve, blood vessels, and cells-can. When bacterial invade this tissue, they cause inflammation and cellular toxins that build up a nasty cocktail of swelling and pain. Over time, the bacteria and toxins can migrate out of the tooth into the surrounding bone and gums and cause a great deal of swelling. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria in the bone and gums, but can’t completely wipe out the bacterial inside the tooth. Eventually, the infection returns, often stronger and more painful. The only cure to heal the tooth is to remove the infected tissue, disinfect the small chamber it resides in, and seal the chamber with a material to prevent future re infection. This, in a nutshell, is what a root canal is.

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FAQ’s on Root Canal Therapy

Infections are painful. Any surgeon that treats an infection knows that you must thoroughly numb an infected area to treat it comfortably. Root canal procedures are seldom painful provided the tooth is thoroughly anesthetized. Only after the procedure is completed can healing take place. What patients do have complaints about is that their jaw joints and jaw muscles are sore afterwords from keeping their mouth open wide for a long period of time. Every attempt is made to minimize the time spent with your mouth open. We usually use a rubber bite block to ease the strain on your jaw muscles.

Root canals are usually performed on teeth weakened by large fillings or cavities. The root canal procedure can weaken the tooth even further. After the root canal is completed, further restoration is necessary to re strengthen the tooth. Every back tooth needs a crown after the root canal to give it enough strength to hold up to normal chewing forces. Properly restored, root canaled teeth have a very high success rate for many years.

Contact Us & Hours

After Hours Emergency Service

Dr. Lubes is available for emergency calls after normal business hours, and on weekends. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, refer to the contact information below. Any non-emergency matters (including scheduling) must be made through the office during normal business hours. A modest $50 emergency fee (not covered by insurance) will be charged if an after-hours office visit is required.

Emergency Line (Dr. Lubes residence)
(585) 889-9539

Cell Phone
(585) 451-8760

Fax
(585) 612-7447 (Fax)

Are you experiencing tooth pain that could benefit from Root Canal Therapy?